More than one million children across England were referred to, waiting for, or receiving mental health support during a single year, according to a new report that highlights the growing pressure on children’s mental health services. The findings have renewed concerns about rising emotional distress among young people and increasing demand for specialist care.
The annual report was released by Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza. It is based on data collected from children’s and young people’s mental health services across England for the 12 months leading to March 2025.
The report found that 1,048,965 children had active referrals during that period. This means they had either been referred for treatment, were waiting to receive care, or were already receiving support from mental health services during the year.
The figures do not include children who had already started treatment before the reporting period began. As a result, the total number of young people receiving mental health care may be even higher.
Dame Rachel said the figures show the scale of the challenge facing children, families, schools, and healthcare providers. She said there is no doubt that England is facing a serious mental health crisis among young people.
According to the report, anxiety remains the most common reason children are referred to mental health services. Many young people are struggling with persistent worries, stress, and emotional difficulties that affect their daily lives, school attendance, and relationships.
The report also found rapidly growing demand for assessments and support for children with suspected autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. These referrals have increased significantly in recent years, placing additional pressure on already stretched services.
Although the report highlights the rising number of children needing support, it also notes that there is no single explanation for the increase. Dame Rachel said there are no straightforward answers about why more children are experiencing mental health difficulties.
Experts believe that several factors may be contributing to the growing demand. These include social pressures, changes in family life, academic stress, increased awareness of mental health, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the report does not identify one specific cause.
The Children’s Commissioner stressed that understanding the reasons behind the rise is important, but ensuring children receive timely support should remain the immediate priority.
Long waiting times continue to be a concern for many families. Delays in accessing mental health care can allow symptoms to become more severe, making treatment more difficult and affecting children’s education, confidence, and overall well-being.
Schools also play an important role in identifying emotional difficulties at an early stage. Teachers are often among the first adults to notice changes in a child’s behaviour, mood, or learning. Early support in schools can help some children before problems become more serious.
The report encourages continued investment in children’s mental health services so that more young people can receive help quickly. It also highlights the importance of cooperation between healthcare providers, schools, families, and local communities to support children’s emotional wellbeing.
Mental health professionals have repeatedly warned that growing demand is placing significant pressure on clinical teams. Many services continue to work hard to reduce waiting lists while providing care for children with increasingly complex needs.
The report also serves as a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve long-term outcomes and help children develop the confidence and skills needed to succeed in school and later life.
Dame Rachel said every child deserves access to the support they need when they need it. She believes improving mental health services should remain a national priority to ensure young people are not left waiting during difficult periods in their lives.
The findings underline the growing need for stronger mental health support across England. With more than one million children seeking or receiving care in a single year, the report highlights the importance of expanding services, reducing wait times, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to receive timely, effective, and compassionate mental health treatment.
